Gov’t Stripped Linden of Toll Revenue as Financial Crisis Deepens

By Mark DaCosta-The Government’s decision to halt toll collection for commercial vehicles in Linden has triggered fresh concerns over what local leaders and opposition officials describe as a continuing pattern of actions that are undermining the welfare and financial stability of Linden and Region 10. The latest directive, issued by Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Priya Manickchand, orders the immediate cessation of toll collection at the Kara Kara Public Road toll station.

The move comes after the removal of tolls on the Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge and has intensified concerns over the erosion of revenue available to the Linden Mayor and Town Council, leaving the municipality facing another financial setback without, critics say, corresponding support from central government.

In a letter (seen below) directed to Lennox Gasper, the Linden Town Clerk, and Mayor Dominique Blair, Minister Manickchand stated that no by-law or legal order was ever instituted to sanction the tolls previously collected by the local government. As a result, all charges imposed are deemed “null, void and unlawful.” This abrupt cessation of toll collection is expected to have significant financial repercussions, robbing the Town Council of millions monthly at a time when its budget is already under pressure.

The Ministry cautioned that non-compliance with this directive could lead to legal repercussions for council members or staff involved in the toll collection process. Historically, the tolls in Linden have been a contentious issue. Prior to being reinstated in 2015 under the  A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) government, tolls had been eliminated in 2013. Now, faced with renewed challenges, the Council is expected to grapple with a severe drop in revenue, further jeopardising essential services in the region.

The Mayor has expressed grave concerns over a lack of financial support from central government, particularly after the recent removal of tolls on the Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge, which only deepens the fiscal crisis facing Linden. Business owners have reportedly voiced their grievances regarding the tolls, asserting that the financial burden of toll payments hinders operational viability and competitiveness, especially in the vibrant mining sector.

While the government seeks to alleviate the economic pressure on these businesses, the move comes at the cost of local revenue, forcing the Council to re-evaluate its financial strategies in a climate of austerity. The September 2025 decision to eliminate tolls on the Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge had previously prompted similar reactions. The opposition, led by the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), characterised this policy change as detrimental to the municipality’s financial health.

They argued that the abolition of tolls resulted in an estimated loss of G$77 million annually, with the potential financial gap widening to upwards of G$100 million. This dramatic fiscal shortfall has raised alarm bells regarding the sustainability of public services, leading to deteriorating conditions in waste management and public health. APNU officials have called for immediate dialogue with the government to address these pressing issues, demanding transparency and accountability in ongoing discussions.

The coalition insists on the need for emergency funding to mitigate the losses and maintain local governance. Their assertions indicate a deep-seated frustration with the central government’s handling of local financial matters, which they believe undermines the Town Council’s ability to function independently. The unfolding situation in Linden epitomises the broader struggles faced by local councils in our nation.

The disbandment of tolls, while seemingly beneficial for residents, carries significant implications for the municipality’s operational capacity. As citizens and local leaders push back against these financial encroachments, the need for a more collaborative approach between central and local governments becomes ever more crucial for safeguarding the future of Linden and ensuring its residents receive the essential services they deserve